Qualcomm is a well-known developer of chipsets for mobile devices. Its arsenal includes processors for smartphones of all price categories. In the upper price niche, the company is the leading supplier of SoCs for phones; in the middle, it also has an impressive market share, and only in the budget category are Taiwanese competitors represented by MediaTek.
Qualcomm chipsets are usually equipped with a special Hexagon DSP (digital signal processor). It is responsible for processing voice, sound, and sensor readings in order to reduce the load on the main cores and optimize power consumption.
Our article will tell you what current processors are in the Qualcomm lineup at the beginning of 2017. The material does not consider discontinued and rare products, like the Snapdragon S4, but is dedicated only to those found in smartphones that are being sold or are about to be sold.
Chipsets for very inexpensive smartphones (under $100) are clearly not the company’s strong point. However, Qualcomm has plenty of budget chips in its arsenal. Traditionally, they come out under model numbers 200 and 400 series.
Snapdragon 200
An old budget processor, available in 4 versions. All of them have 4 cores made using the 28 nm process (the earlier ones were made using the 45 nm process), but differ in the type of these cores, as well as graphics. The 2 models with 1.4 GHz have Cortex A5 microarchitecture (32-bit) and Adreno 203 graphics, clocked at 300 MHz and with a performance of 9 GFLOPS (billions of floating point calculations per second). Models with a frequency of 1.2 GHz are equipped with Cortex A7 cores (also 32 bits) and Adreno 302 graphics (400 MHz, 12 GFLOPS).
All chipsets in the series are equipped with a single-channel LPDDR2 controller (300 MHz). Displays with resolutions up to 1280x720 pixels are supported. This chipset does not have an ISP, so the camera resolution depends on what the external image processor supports (Qualcomm usually uses an ISP made by Texas Instruments). The modem works with Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz networks, GSM, CDMA and HSPA operators, depending on the version (no LTE).
The maximum camera resolution that the chipset can support is 8 megapixels.
Snapdragon 210
This is a development of the previous model; the processor is produced according to 28 nm standards. It has 4 Cortex A7 1.1 GHz cores, Adreno 304 graphics. Its frequency is 400 MHz, performance is 21 GFLOPS.
The memory controller supports LPDDR3 and LPDDR2 chips up to 533 MHz. The display controller is designed for resolutions up to 1280x720; there is no image processor in the chip. The modem is designed for Wi-Fi networks 2.4 GHz, GSM, HSPA, CDMA and LTE Cat. 4.
The maximum camera resolution supported by the chipset is 8 megapixels. There is even support for second generation fast charging technology. This is an old technology that, on paper, allows you to charge smartphones in less than three hours, but in practice, the chipset in question is unlikely to be found in a smartphone with second-generation fast charging from Qualcomm.
Snapdragon 410
A processor for smartphones of a higher class than the 200th model. Based on 64-bit architecture, but produced according to the same 28 nm standards. Has 4 Cortex A53 cores up to 1.4 GHz. Graphics processing is handled by the Adreno 306 GPU, with a frequency of 400 MHz and a performance of 21 GFLOPS.
The chipset is equipped with a single-channel LPDDR2/3 (533 MHz) RAM controller. The display resolution can reach FullHD 1920×1080 pixels. There is no built-in ISP; cameras up to 13 MP are usually supported. The radio module supports Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, cellular networks up to LTE Cat. 4.
The maximum supported camera resolution is 13.5 MP. Fast charging technology may be of the second generation.
Snapdragon 425/427
These Qualcomm processors belong to the budget category and are a continuation of the 415 model. They are also manufactured at 28 nm and have 4 Cortex A53 cores. They operate at a frequency of 1.4 GHz, Adreno 308 graphics are installed on board. The GPU frequency is unknown for certain (the only smartphone with this SoC, Xiaomi Redmi 4A, will not be widely sold), the approximate performance is about 30 GFLOPS.
Both processors are designed for LPDDR3 memory (667 GHz). Display resolution – HD 720. The differences between Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 and 427 are in the networks: both support Wi-Fi of two standards and all 2nd and 3rd generation networks. But the 425 has LTE Cat 4, and the 427 has LTE Cat 7.
The 425th model supports its own second-generation fast charging technology, the 427th model supports 3rd generation fast charging. The camera can be a maximum of 16 megapixels for both.
Snapdragon 430/435
These Qualcomm processors are the most advanced in the budget segment. Both are manufactured using a 28 nm process technology and have 8 Cortex A53 1.4 GHz cores. Graphics processing is handled by the latest generation Adreno 505 accelerator. The clock frequency of the video processor is 450 MHz, and the theoretical performance is up to 49 GFLOPS.
The memory controller is designed for LPDDR3 800 chips. The display resolution can be either HD or FullHD. Both chipsets support almost all current networks, but the 430 model has an LTE Cat 4 modem, and the 435 has a Cat 7 modem.
Qualcomm third generation fast charging is supported. The chipsets can process camera images at a resolution of 21 megapixels.
Mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets
Among mid-range chips, Qualcomm has good SoCs for both mid-budget and almost flagship devices. They are usually in the 600 series, but there is one exception.
Snapdragon 615/616/617
Inexpensive mid-level processors aimed at mass-segment smartphones. They are produced according to the 28 nm process technology and have 8 Cortex A53 cores in a 4+4 configuration. They differ in frequencies and modems. In the 615 model, 4 fast cores operate at 1.5, in the 616 - 1.7, in the 617 - 1.5 GHz. Another cluster of 4 cores is overclocked to 1.2 GHz everywhere. Graphics processing is handled by Adreno 405, 550 MHz, with a performance of 60 GFLOPS.
The RAM controller is single-channel LPDDR3, 800 (in models 615 and 616) or 933 MHz (617). The chips can display images on displays up to QHD 2560x1600 (the 617th is only Full HD 1920x1080). Cellular modules of models 615 and 616 support networks up to LTE Cat 4, in 617 – LTE Cat 7. All processors for smartphones in this series work with Wi-Fi of both bands. The first two models support Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging technology, and 617 already supports Quick Charge 3.0. Photos on the camera can be processed at a maximum resolution of 21 megapixels.
Snapdragon 415
Cheaper version of the 615 model. The first eight-core Qualcomm processor for smartphones, designed to interest the Chinese in multi-core technology and give an answer to MediaTek chips (Qualcomm representatives themselves once mentioned this). Despite belonging to the 400 series, it is a representative of the middle level. Produced using a 28 nm process technology, it has 8 Cortex A53 1.4 GHz cores. Graphics coprocessor – Qualcomm Adreno 405, 465 MHz, 50 GFLOPS.
The RAM controller can work with LPDDR3 667 chips. The chipset supports screens with a resolution of up to 1920x1080 pixels. The Wi-Fi module operates with frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz, and there is also support for all networks, up to LTE Cat 4.
Supports fast charging technology of the second version. Camera shots can be processed in 13 MP resolution.
Snapdragon 650 (originally introduced as 618)
A powerful mid-range Qualcomm processor, originally numbered 618. It was introduced in 2015. Then its production was suspended due to problems with overheating and it was re-launched in 2016 under number 650. It is produced using the 28 nm process technology. It has 6 cores, of which 2 are powerful Cortex A72 with a frequency of 1.8, another 4 are economical Cortex A53 1.4 GHz. Graphics subsystem - Adreno 510, 600 MHz, speed of about 180 GFLOPS.
The chipset is equipped with a dual-channel LPDDR3 memory controller with a frequency of up to 933 MHz. Screen resolution - up to QHD 2560 × 1600 pixels. It is equipped with a modem that supports all networks up to LTE Cat 7, and Wi-Fi can work in 2.4 and 5 GHz networks.
The chipset supports Quick Charge™ 3.0 fast charging technology. The camera module can be a maximum of 21 megapixels.
Snapdragon 652/653
Powerful eight-core processors manufactured using the 28 nm process technology. In fact, these are more advanced versions of the 650 model. 4 Cortex A72 cores have frequencies of 1.8 (652) or 1.95 GHz (653), 4 Cortex A53 – 1.4 (652) or 1.44 (653) GHz. Graphics processing is handled by Adreno 510, 600 MHz, 180 GFLOPS.
Both chips are equipped with a memory controller that works with two LPDDR3 933 channels. Screens up to 2560x1600 pixels are supported. Both models are equipped with Wi-Fi ac (5 GHz) and LTE Cat 7, but the 653 model has upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps, and the 652 – 100 Mbps. The interface connector of smartphones with these chips must only support USN 2.0.
Both models support third-generation fast charging, 21-megapixel camera shots, and 4K video recording at 30 frames per second.
Snapdragon 625/626
Qualcomm smartphone processors that were widely used in 2016. The chipsets have proven themselves well. They are produced using a relatively thin 14 nm process technology, which results in economical power consumption and no heating. Equipped with 8 Cortex A53 cores. The clock frequency in the model 625 is 2, 626 is 2.2 GHz. 3D processing is handled by the Adreno 506, 650 MHz graphics accelerator, with a performance of about 130 GFLOPS.
A single-channel LPDDR3 933 controller is responsible for communication with the RAM. The maximum screen resolution is 1920x1080 pixels. The radio module is designed for networks up to LTE up to Cat 7, as well as Wi-Fi in two bands. A feature of Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 is also support for USB 3.0.
Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology is supported. The video can be captured in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. Image resolution is 24 megapixels.
Snapdragon 660
An upcoming processor, based on which no smartphone has yet been announced. It is built on a thinner 14 nm process technology and is equipped with 8 cores of its own Kryo microarchitecture (an ARM-based development by Qualcomm). 4 powerful cores have a frequency of 2.2, 4 economical ones - 1.9 GHz. Adreno 512 is provided for graphics (according to preliminary data - about 200 GFLOPS).
The chipset provides for the installation of LPDDR4 1866 memory in smartphones, in 2 channels. According to available information, support for LTE Cat 9 is provided. The resolution of the displays is unknown, since the first smartphones on the chip will appear no earlier than spring 2017.
Flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon processors
Qualcomm produces SoCs for top smartphones under model numbers of the 800 series. In them, developers introduce all the advanced achievements in the field of SoCs.
Snapdragon 820
The flagship chipset of 2016 is one of the best solutions on the market so far. Manufactured using a 14 nm process technology and equipped with 4 Kryo cores. 2 of them operate at a frequency of 2.15, another 2 – 1.6 GHz. There is a version with 1.8 and 1.36 GHz, characterized by reduced power consumption. Graphics accelerator – Adreno 530, 625 MHz, 499 GFLOPS.
The memory controller is four-channel LPDDR4 1866. The maximum screen resolution is 4K 3840x2160. Cellular networks – up to LTE Cat 12 (which is just emerging in the world) and Wi-Fi ac and ad (WiGig).
Supports Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology and WiPower wireless charging technology. Cameras are supported in 28 megapixel resolution.
Snapdragon 821
An optimized and slightly overclocked version of the previous smartphone processor. Frequencies remained the same or increased to 2.35/1.6 GHz. The graphics accelerator is overclocked to 650 MHz (519 GFLOPS).
Snapdragon 835
The processor was introduced in January 2016 at CES 2017. The first smartphones based on the 835 should appear around MWC 2017 (late February). Manufacturing process – 10 nm. Powered by eight Kryo 280 cores. Adreno 540 video chip. The maximum frequency of the powerful 4 cores is 2.45 GHz. Another 4 cores for less demanding tasks operate at a frequency of 1.9 GHz.
Memory controller – four-channel LPDDR4. Supports QHD and 4K displays. The wireless module is designed for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ad networks, and supports LTE up to Cat 16 (up to 980 Mbit/s, not yet implemented on a mass basis by any global operator). The Snapdragon 835 chipset gets an LTE X16 modem, 4x4 MIMO, three layers of security, and machine learning.
The 4th generation Quick Charge fast charging technology will be supported, which is 20% faster than the third generation.
The 835 chipset will have the ability to electronically stabilize video in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. Supports a 32 MP camera or two 16 MP cameras. .
These two models should be the most powerful from Qualcomm for a long time. The press release describes them as the most powerful and energy-efficient mobile chipsets in history.
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First generation of Snapdragon processors. The manufacturer's own development, Scorpion, is used as the core, based on the Cortex-A8 core from ARM. The processors are single-core, operate at frequencies up to 1 gigahertz, and are built on the ARMv6 architecture. Technological process - 65 nm. Supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, Wi-Fi and GPS, as well as cameras up to 12 megapixels and HD video recording. The GPU is Adreno 200.
2010
Generation S2
Uses one Scorpion core developed by Qualcomm, operating frequency - up to 1 gigahertz in smartphones and 1.5 GHz in tablets, architecture - ARMv7. Technical process - 45 nanometers. “Graphics” - Adreno 205. The supported camera resolution has increased to 16 MP, recording and playback of FullHD video is also possible.
2011
This year, the company acquired Atheros Communications for US$3.1 billion. This purchase helped Qualcomm become a major player in the wireless technology market thanks to the acquired company's developments and patent portfolio. The latest developments are also used in Snapdragon.
Generation S3
It has 2 Scorpion cores, operating frequency up to 1.7 GHz, ARMv7 architecture. Technical process - 45 nanometers. Graphics component: Adreno 220.
2012
Generation S4
- Prime
The most powerful chipset of this family. Quad-core (Krait cores of our own design), operating frequency - 1.7-2.5 GHz, ARM-v7 architecture. Technological process - 28 nm. GPU - Adreno 320. Designed for TVs, does not have a radio module. - Pro
It differs from Prime in a lower clock frequency (up to 1700 MHz) and the presence of a radio module; it can also be dual-core in some modifications. Can be used in smartphones, tablets and netbooks. - Plus
Unlike Pro, it is strictly dual-core. Depending on the variation, the graphics subsystem differs - Adreno 320 or 225. - play
Entry-level dual- or quad-core (depending on modification) Cortex-A5 chipset. Unlike other S4 variants, Play can be built on a cheaper 40 nm or 45 nm process technology. It also uses a cheaper Adreno 203 GPU.
2013
800
Flagship system on a chip with 4 Krait 400 cores. Operates at frequencies up to 2300 MHz, ARMv7 architecture. Technological process - 28 nm. Graphics subsystem - Adreno 330.
600
Quad-core (4 Krait 300, frequency up to 1.7 or 1.9 GHz) pre-flagship processor. Architecture - ARMv7, process technology - 28 nm. Adreno 330 is used as graphics.
400
Entry-level dual- or quad-core chipset. Modifications: 4 Cortex-A7 or 2 Krait 200, up to 1200 or 1400 MHz; Krait 300, up to 1.7 GHz. ARMv7 and 28 nm process technology are used. Graphics subsystem - Adreno 305.
200
Budget single-chip system with two Cortex-A7 or four Cortex-A5 cores operating at frequencies of 1200 and 1400 MHz, respectively. ARMv7, 28 nanometers. “Graphics” - Adreno 302.
410
Very important for the corporation, as it is the first of its kind to support 64-bit computing. Otherwise, it is an improved version of the 400 model, with a frequency increased by 0.2 GHz, newer Cortex-A53 cores and an Adreno 306 graphics accelerator.
2014
801
One of the most successful systems on a chip from this company, an improved version of the Snapdragon 800. A flagship processor with four Krait 400 cores, operating at a frequency of up to 2500 MHz. ARMv7, 28 nm. An overclocked version of Adreno 330 is used as the graphics coprocessor.
805
Top processor with 4 cores Krait 450 with the highest frequency up to 2.7 GHz. ARMv7, 28 nm. GPU – Adreno 420.
615
The corporation's first eight-core processor, Cortex-A53 cores operating at frequencies up to 1700 MHz. ARMv8, 28 nm.
Graphics coprocessor - Adreno 405.
2015
This year, the company lost most of its advantage over competitors, as the top-end 810 model turned out to be unsuccessful, and therefore companies collaborating with Qualcomm had to use the weaker 808 model or develop cooling systems for the 810. New chipsets of the 6xx and 4xx series are not presented were, and customers had to be content with outdated (compared to similar products from competitors) last year’s models.
The company's revenue decreased by 7% compared to the previous year and amounted to $23.6 billion.
Problems of the 810 model
At the end of 2014, Qualcomm did not have a top-end eight-core platform of its own design, as a result of which it decided to use ARM cores at high frequencies. In terms of power, the processor was comparable to Samsung's Exynos 7420, but due to its larger (20 nm vs. 14 nm for Samsung) process technology, the 810 generated more heat and overheated quickly. When overheating, in order to avoid processor failure, frequencies were forcibly reduced, and, as a result, performance dropped. Due to the reasons described above, sales of the 810 were lower than its predecessors, causing the manufacturer's profits to decrease.
810
Considered a failure for Qualcomm due to its tendency to overheat. It has four Cortex-A53 cores and the same number of Cortex-A57 cores, operating at frequencies up to 2.0 GHz. ARMv8-A, 20 nm. “Graphics” - Adreno 430.
808
It was released by the manufacturer as a less powerful, but much more stable alternative to the 810 model. It is the first six-core system on a chip in the world. Video processor - Adreno 418.
210
A follower of the 200 model, created using a 28-nanometer process technology on ARMv7 architecture. Four Cortex-A7 cores are used, operating at frequencies up to 1100 MHz. Graphics subsystem - Adreno 304.
2016
Successful models of all price categories have been released that do not suffer from overheating.
820 and 821
Flagship Snapdragon solutions created using 14 nm process technology, which eliminates the tendency to overheat inherent in last year’s solutions. Architecture - ARMv8-A. They have 4 Kryo cores of the manufacturer’s own design and a clock frequency of up to 2.35 GHz for 820 and up to 2.45 GHz for 821. The Adreno 530 graphics coprocessor is used.
The processor is the main component of a smartphone. Not only the performance in games depends on its power, but also the speed with which it will download data from the Internet, as well as the maximum allowable resolution of the camera sensor and much more. We would like to talk about which market representatives are considered the most successful in a special article. It represents a rating of mobile processors in 2019.
#10 – Snapdragon 665
Snapdragon 665 is a representative of the mid-segment, which appeared on the market quietly and without any announcements. The chipset debuted in the Xiaomi Mi CC9e and Mi A3 smartphones and became the ideological successor to the Snapdragon 660, the same processor installed in the popular Redmi Note 7. There were no fundamental changes in it, just the main parts were improved. So, for example, now each of the 8 cores in the chipset is able to overcome the frequency limit of 2 GHz, which determines the speed of the mobile processor.
The type of technological process has also changed - from 14 to 11 nanometers. According to experts, the value greatly affects the energy efficiency and heating of the chipset. In practice this has been confirmed. In addition, the chipset received an improved Adreno 640 graphics unit, a new DSP signal processor and Spectra 165, which is responsible for image processing. Among the shortcomings of the Snapdragon 665, we can only highlight the downgrade of fast charging from Quick Charge 4 to Quick Charge 3.
No. 9 – Kirin 810
Huawei's proprietary creation, the Kirin 810, took ninth place in the ranking of smartphone processors. It appeared on the market in the summer of 2019. The chipset is manufactured using a 7-nanometer process technology with two Cortex-A76 cores capable of accelerating to 2.27 GHz, which are responsible for resource-intensive tasks. They are complemented by six Cortex-A55 with a clock frequency of up to 1.88 GHz. They come into play when solving day-to-day processes.
The chipset was used in the Huawei Nova 5 and Huawei 9X Pro smartphones, showing excellent energy efficiency and performance coupled with low heating. Interestingly, the processor supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, NFS and LTE-modem with download speeds of up to 1.4 GB/second. The downside is that there is no shooting in 4K resolution.
No. 8 – Kirin 970
Kirin 970 is another Huawei processor. It consists of 4 Cortex-A73 cores with a frequency of 2.36 GHz and the same number of Cortex-A53 with a frequency of 1.84 GHz. A similar set was used in the Kirin 960. The key improvement over the latter is the improved LTE module, which now allows for a maximum download speed of 1200 Mbit/s.
There have also been changes in the graphics department. The ARM Mali-G72MP12 is now in charge, with architectural improvements resulting in improved gaming performance. The chipset was also one of the first to feature the NSU neuromorphic processor. With its help, machine learning of the smartphone is implemented.
#7 – Snapdragon 710
The Snapdragon 710 is a processor for Android smartphones that was controversial at launch. On the one hand, it is too good for middle-class devices, while it does not reach flagships in a number of parameters. He debuted in Xiaomi Mi 8 SE. The chipset became the first in the 700 line of the manufacturer Qualcomm.
In terms of cores, it looks even worse than the Snapdragon 660 - ARM Cortex A75 with a frequency of 2.2 GHz and six energy-efficient ARM Cortex A55 1.7 GHz. However, the whole point lies in the use of Kryo 360 - an improved architecture and 10-nanometer process technology. Due to these points, it was possible to reduce heat generation, increase productivity and energy efficiency.
The Snapdragon 710 includes a second-generation Spectra 250 image processor. It provides hardware noise reduction, image processing from two cameras up to 16 MP, 4K video shooting, HDR image output, and unlocking the smartphone using face identification.
#6 – Snapdragon 712
At the equator of our top mobile processors for smartphones is the Snapdragon 712. This is an improved version of the previous representative of the selection. The key change compared to it was the Adreno 616 graphics core with a 10% performance increase. It is worth noting the appearance of the Snapdragon X15 LTE Cat LTE modem, which guarantees download speeds of up to 800 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s.
Interestingly, devices with Snapdragon 712 also charge faster. It's all about its support for Quick Charge 4+ technology. So such smartphones are able to replenish half of all their resources in 20 minutes. There is also support for one camera up to 32 MP, or two cameras up to 20 MP and sound-enhancing technologies such as TrueWireless Stereo Plus and Broadcast Audio.
#5 – Snapdragon 730G
The Snapdragon 730G is content with fifth place in our mobile processor performance rankings. The emphasis in its development was on improving work with AI and higher performance in solving resource-intensive tasks compared to its predecessors. The chip is designed for gaming smartphones, which is reflected by the G prefix in the name. In practice and in tests, this is confirmed - the Adreno 618 graphics core shows an 18% increase in efficiency compared to the regular 730 model.
The processor uses special technology aimed at reducing frame rate drops and improving the gaming processor. Another innovation of the processor is the ability to control the priority of Wi-Fi connections to improve the quality of Internet connections in games.
No. 4 – Exynos 9820
Exynos 9820 is Samsung's flagship processor released at the end of 2018. This is what the Samsung Galaxy S10 is equipped with. The performance of the chipset is at the top level. For at least the next few years, he will be able to avoid experiencing difficulties in modern games. The main culprit of success is the graphics unit - Mali-G76 with 12 cores. It is 40% more powerful than the Mali-G72 used in the Exynos 9810 and has a 35% increase in energy efficiency.
For machine learning, an NPU neuroblock is provided, which is 7 times faster than its predecessor. The list of strengths of the processor also includes the ability to process signals from 5 cameras simultaneously, including an IR sensor for face recognition. You can record video in 8K resolution at 30 frames per second or 4K at 60 frames per second.
No. 3 – Kirin 980
“Kirin 980” is a premium processor from the Chinese developer Huawei, which has received many positive reviews. Its characteristics correspond to premium status. The chipset was the first on the market to use Cortex-A76 cores capable of overclocking to 2.6 GHz. Subsystem designs are specifically optimized to achieve a balance between energy efficiency and performance.
In the list of advantages of the Kirin 980 we will also add its support for the fastest RAM in the world at the time of the processor’s release - LPDDR4X, operating at frequencies up to 2133 MHz and equipped with a dual neuromodule. The processor is doing quite well in terms of data transfer - the LTE Cat.21 communication standard guarantees download speeds of up to 1.4 Gbit/s.
No. 2 – Apple A13
Apple A13 is the company's latest chipset used in the new generation iPhone 11. Compared to its predecessor, it has become 30% more productive and 40% more economical. True, it is difficult to evaluate the first - even for the Apple 12 it was not easy to find a task that would load it to its fullest.
Another important advantage of the model is improvements in the artificial intelligence unit, thanks to which it is now capable of processing up to 1 trillion operations every second. Therefore, if you are asked which processor is better for a smartphone in terms of machine learning, feel free to say Apple A13.
#1 – Snapdragon 855
The first place in the selection is occupied by the Snapdragon 855 from Qualcomm, which immediately became the hero of many reviews after its release. This is a top solution for Android devices. Therefore, if you don’t know which processor is better for an Android smartphone, here’s your answer. The eight cores of the chipset are divided into three clusters - high-performance, mid-performance and energy-efficient. For those who don’t know what they affect, thanks to this distribution, processor performance has increased by 45% compared to the 845th “dragon”. This is confirmed by the fact that smartphones based on the flagship chipset are located at the top of the AnTuTu table.
Snapdragon 855 supports photosensors with a resolution of up to 48 MP. In addition, it is capable of functioning with dual modules of 22 MP each. It is noteworthy that thanks to the processor, the owner can edit the video directly during creation - for example, use the bokeh effect or replace the background. The voice assistant also excelled. When recording video, it can cut out extraneous noise and echoes, distinguishing and highlighting the owner’s voice even on a busy street.
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Perhaps in 2019, Snapdragon processors are the most popular in the mobile device market: even companies that produce proprietary chipsets (Samsung and Huawei) sometimes install Qualcomm developments in their devices. Now there are a great variety of Snapdragon processor models on the market, among which it is easy to get lost. rule “the higher the numerical index of the chipset, the cooler it is” does work when choosing the best chipset from Qualcomm, but not always. In addition, sometimes a more expensive model is practically no different from its “younger brother,” but devices based on it are much more expensive. In this article we will name the best representatives of each of the Snapdragon model series, describe the features of all series and the chipsets themselves.
What really matters in processors
In this article, we will not compare absolutely all technical characteristics of processors, since most of them are not important when choosing mobile devices: for example, information about the maximum camera resolution supported by the chipset or the ability to work with LPDDR4X memory will not help a person in any way when choosing a gadget (since the buyer purchases a smartphone or tablet with a camera and memory already installed, and not a computer where, if desired, any components can be replaced - even if the processor installed in the mobile device supports the best components, this is absolutely unimportant).Characteristics of processors that you should pay attention to when purchasing a device:
- Technical process: chipset manufacturing technology, characterized by the resolution of the equipment used in the production of processors. Simply put, the fewer nanometers (nm), the better: cores created using the 7 nm process are more economical and more productive than their 10 nm counterparts, all other characteristics being equal.
- Core clock speed: shows the number of operations performed per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher it is, the more productive the processor cores are.
- Number of Cores: The more cores, the less the chipset is overloaded - all thanks to the better ability to distribute processes between several cores.
- Number and composition of clusters: To increase the energy efficiency of processors, cores with the same performance are installed in separate clusters. This allows you to separate productive cores from economical ones, so that resource-intensive tasks are performed only by “powerful” cores, and simple tasks are performed exclusively by low-performance cores. Almost all processors are built in a dual-cluster format, but in the Snapdragon 855, Qualcomm has resorted to technology with three clusters: in addition to productive and economical cores, the chipset contains medium-power cores. In theory, the more clusters, the more economical the processor.
- Graphics accelerator: This is an integrated video card in a smartphone, installed on the same board with the processor. Unfortunately, Qualcomm rarely shares the features of its Adreno series video accelerators, so the technical characteristics of some of them are unknown. What is clear is that the higher the numerical index of the GPU, the better the hardware.
- Digital Signal Processor (DSP): is a chipset that processes signals from various sensors of mobile devices in real time. It is much “weaker” than the central processor, but its performance is sufficient to perform its function. If DSP were not used, the sensor readings would be processed by the main processor, spending too much energy on non-resource-intensive tasks. Qualcomm doesn't reveal the specs of its Hexagon series DSPs, but we can safely assume that the higher the number, the better.
Snapdragon 8xx - flagship models
Qualcomm demonstrates all its developments over the past year in its flagship processors. That is why the models in this series are sometimes significantly different from their predecessors. However, this does not always happen. For example, the Snapdragon 855 is significantly superior to the 845 model, since the new product uses a three-cluster format, is created using an advanced technological process and has an improved graphics accelerator and digital signal processor.
But the Snapdragon 845 did not receive fundamental changes compared to the Snapdragon 835 in terms of CPU performance, but its graphics accelerator was significantly improved (at least according to official statements).
We do not recommend considering smartphones based on Snapdragon 821 and 820 in 2019, since these chipsets are already quite outdated: the old process technology and four cores are not suitable for modern games and programs. In addition, for the price of devices with these processors, it is better to purchase modern sub-flagship smartphones or middle-class gadgets, which we will discuss below.
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 855 processor:
- Xiaomi Mi 9 / Mi 9 TE
- Samsung Galaxy S10 / S10+ / S10e
- Xiaomi Mi 8 / Mi 8 EE / Mi 8 Pro
- Xiaomi Pocophone F1
- Xiaomi Mi MIX 3
- Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- OnePlus 6/6T
- Google Pixel 3/3 XL
- Nokia 9 PureView
- Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- OnePlus 5/5T
- Google Pixel 2/2 XL
Snapdragon 7xx - sub-flagship models
The processors of this series are designed for sub-flagship smartphones that require decent performance, but do not require various chips of flagship models (like support for ultra-high resolution screens, fancy cameras, and the like).
Snapdragon 730 differs from the version with the prefix "G" only in that the frequency of the latter's video accelerator is slightly overclocked, so that its graphics performance is 15% higher. However, in practice, the difference between these chipsets is incredibly difficult to notice, so you can safely choose devices based on the Snapdragon 730 (without overpaying for gadgets with the G-version of the chipset).
Snapdragon 712 and 710 processors lose to older models, and significantly (judging by the reviews and benchmarks). If you choose between gadgets based on these chipsets, then you definitely shouldn't pay extra money for the clock frequency of two productive cores increased by 0.1 GHz in the 712th "dragon".
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 730G processor: Not released yet.
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 730 processor:
- Samsung Galaxy A80
- Xiaomi Mi 9 SE
- Samsung Galaxy A8s
- Xiaomi Mi 8SE
- OPPO RX17 Pro
- Nokia 8.1
- Meizu X8
- Meizu 16X
Snapdragon 6xx - average
| Characteristics | Snapdragon 675 (2018) | Snapdragon 670 (2018) | Snapdragon 665 (2019) | Snapdragon 660 (2017) | Snapdragon 636 (2017) |
| Process technology | 11 nm | 10 nm | 11 nm | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Nuclei | 2x2.0 GHz (Cortex-A76) 6x1.7 GHz (Cortex-A55) | 2x2.0 GHz (Cortex-A75) 6x1.7 GHz (Cortex-A55) | 4x2.0 GHz (Cortex-A73) 4x1.8 GHz (Cortex-A53) | 4x2.2 GHz (Cortex-A73) 4x1.84 GHz (Cortex-A53) | 4x1.8 GHz (Cortex-A73) 4x1.6 GHz (Cortex-A53) |
| graphics accelerator | Adreno 612 | Adreno 615 | Adreno 610 | Adreno 512 | Adreno 509 |
| Digital signal processor | Hexagon 685 | Hexagon 685 | Hexagon 686 | Hexagon 680 | Hexagon 680 |
Snapdragon 6xx series processors are designed for mid-range devices. Previously, these models were significantly inferior to their "big brothers", but the Snapdragon 675, 670 and 665 released over the past two years have changed everything: these chipsets are not so much inferior in performance to models from the Snapdragon 7xx line. These trio are quite similar in terms of characteristics, and the 670 even slightly outperforms the 675 in terms of graphics and power consumption. As a result, when choosing a mobile device, you can safely consider gadgets based on these three processors to be almost equal in performance.
Snapdragon 660 and 636 can already be called oldies, but manufacturers continue to release smartphones and tablets with these chipsets, since they still cope well with games and programs (even if not with the most demanding ones). The choice between these processors is simple: the 660 is an order of magnitude better than the 636 (but also more power hungry).
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 675 processor:
- Samsung Galaxy A70
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro
- Meizu Note 9
- Vivo V15 Pro
- OPPO R17
- Vivo X23
- Vivo Z3
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 660 processor:
- Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018)
- Samsung Galaxy A6s
- Nokia 7 Plus
- Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3
- Xiaomi Mi A2
- Meizu 15
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro
- Nokia 7.1
- Nokia 6.1 Plus
Snapdragon 4xx - entry level
The Snapdragon 4xx line is aimed at budget devices, so you should not expect any miracles from the processors of this series. Devices based on Snapdragon 450 and 439 have approximately the same performance, but the latter is still more preferable. Gadgets on Snapdragon 429 should be considered only if the budget does not allow you to purchase a smartphone on the above chipsets. But devices on the Snapdragon 435 should be completely avoided - it is outdated in every sense.
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 450 processor:
- Xiaomi Redmi 5
- Samsung Galaxy A6+
- Samsung Galaxy J8
- Motorola Moto G6
- Vivo Y93
Snapdragon 2xx - as cheap as possible
The Snapdragon 2xx series is designed for ultra-budget devices. These chipsets are needed to process basic functions, so they are installed only in the cheapest smartphones designed to replace push-button dialers. In addition, manufacturers no longer produce devices based on these processors - the latest smartphone with a chipset from this line is Nokia 2 (2017).
If you choose a “dialer” for yourself, then you can take a gadget with any of the Snapdragon 2xx series processors, since they are all approximately equal (unless you should give preference to models with 4 cores). Devices based on these chipsets should not be bought for other purposes, since in 2019 their use will turn into real torment.
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 212 processor:
- Nokia 2
- Huawei Honor 4A
- ZTE Blade A462
- Acer Liquid Z330/M330
- Alcatel 4060A
Popular smartphones with Snapdragon 205 processor:
- Nokia 8110 4G
ARM processor is a mobile processor for smartphones and tablets.
This table shows all currently known ARM processors. The table of ARM processors will be supplemented and upgraded as new models appear. This table uses a conditional system for evaluating CPU and GPU performance. ARM processor performance data was taken from a variety of sources, mainly based on the results of tests such as: PassMark, Antutu, GFXBench.
We do not claim absolute accuracy. Absolutely accurately rank and evaluate the performance of ARM processors impossible, for the simple reason that each of them has advantages in some ways, but in some ways lags behind other ARM processors. The table of ARM processors allows you to see, evaluate and, most importantly, compare different SoCs (System-On-Chip) solutions. Using our table, you can compare mobile processors and it’s enough to find out exactly how the ARM heart of your future (or present) smartphone or tablet is positioned.
Here we have compared ARM processors. We looked at and compared the performance of CPU and GPU in different SoCs (System-on-Chip). But the reader may have several questions: Where are ARM processors used? What is an ARM processor? How does ARM architecture differ from x86 processors? Let's try to understand all this without going too deep into details.
First, let's define terminology. ARM is the name of the architecture and at the same time the name of the company leading its development. The abbreviation ARM stands for (Advanced RISC Machine or Acorn RISC Machine), which can be translated as: advanced RISC machine. ARM architecture combines a family of both 32 and 64-bit microprocessor cores developed and licensed by ARM Limited. I would like to note right away that the ARM Limited company is exclusively engaged in the development of kernels and tools for them (debugging tools, compilers, etc.), but not in the production of the processors themselves. Company ARM Limited sells licenses for the production of ARM processors to third parties. Here is a partial list of companies licensed to manufacture ARM processors today: AMD, Atmel, Altera, Cirrus Logic, Intel, Marvell, NXP, Samsung, LG, MediaTek, Qualcomm, Sony Ericsson, Texas Instruments, nVidia, Freescale... and many more other.
Some companies that have received a license to produce ARM processors create their own versions of cores based on ARM architecture. Examples include: DEC StrongARM, Freescale i.MX, Intel XScale, NVIDIA Tegra, ST-Ericsson Nomadik, Qualcomm Snapdragon, Texas Instruments OMAP, Samsung Hummingbird, LG H13, Apple A4/A5/A6 and HiSilicon K3.
Today they work on ARM-based processors virtually any electronics: PDA, mobile phones and smartphones, digital players, portable game consoles, calculators, external hard drives and routers. They all contain an ARM core, so we can say that ARM - mobile processors for smartphones and tablets.
ARM processor represents a SoC, or "system on a chip". An SoC system, or “system on a chip,” can contain in one chip, in addition to the CPU itself, the remaining parts of a full-fledged computer. This includes a memory controller, an I/O port controller, a graphics core, and a geopositioning system (GPS). It may also contain a 3G module, as well as much more.
If we consider a separate family of ARM processors, say Cortex-A9 (or any other), we cannot say that all processors of the same family have the same performance or are all equipped with a GPS module. All these parameters strongly depend on the chip manufacturer and what and how he decided to implement in his product.
What is the difference between ARM and X86 processors?? The RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture itself implies a reduced set of instructions. Which accordingly leads to very moderate energy consumption. After all, inside any ARM chip there are much fewer transistors than its counterpart from the x86 line. Don't forget that in an SoC system all peripheral devices are located inside a single chip, which allows the ARM processor to be even more energy efficient. The ARM architecture was originally designed to calculate only integer operations, unlike x86, which can work with floating point calculations or FPU. It is impossible to clearly compare these two architectures. In some ways, ARM will have an advantage. And somewhere it’s the other way around. If you try to answer the question in one phrase: what is the difference between ARM and X86 processors, then the answer will be this: the ARM processor does not know the number of commands that the x86 processor knows. And those that do know look much shorter. This has both its pros and cons. Be that as it may, lately everything suggests that ARM processors are beginning to slowly but surely catch up, and in some ways even surpass conventional x86 processors. Many openly declare that ARM processors will soon replace the x86 platform in the home PC segment. As we already know, in 2013 several world-famous companies completely abandoned the further production of netbooks in favor of tablet PCs. Well, what will actually happen, time will tell.
We will monitor the ARM processors already available on the market.
